Self-Supporting Drying System And Method

ABSTRACT

A hands-free dryer allows for drying of a target while permitting the hands of a user to not be controlling the operation of the hands-free dryer. The hands-free dryer includes a blower for providing air flow, an orientation system allowing the blower to be adjustably oriented at an angle. There is a semi-rigid flexible hose connected to the blower that retains its configuration without the user having to maintain the configuration. Also, there is a support system that provides support for the hands-free dryer while worn by the user.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The subject matter described herein relates to the drying of targetssuch as persons or animals with powered mechanical dryers.

BACKGROUND

The drying of targets such as persons and animals often coincides withgrooming activities. Typically grooming and drying are done inalternating steps, where some drying is done, then some grooming, thenmore drying, etc. With animals, in addition to having the facility todry/groom the animal, the animal must also be controlled. This can bedone by hand or with restraints. With persons, a dryer can be held inone hand and a grooming tool in the other, to allow for simultaneousgrooming and drying. Dryers used to dry persons or animals can be in theform of hand-held dryers, overhead driers, dryer gantries, etc.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a hands-free dryer allows for drying of a target whilepermitting the hands of a user to not be controlling the operation ofthe hands-free dryer. The hands-free dryer includes a blower forproviding air flow, an orientation system allowing the blower to beadjustably oriented at an angle. There is a semi-rigid flexible hoseconnected to the blower that retains its configuration without the userhaving to maintain the configuration. Also, there is a support systemthat provides support for the hands-free dryer while worn by the user.

In some variations one or more of the following features can optionallybe included in any feasible combination.

In one implementation, the orientation system can include a mountingplate affixed to the support system, a rotating plate connected to themounting plate, where the blower is mounted to the rotating plate toallow the blower to be rotated relative to the mounting plate through anadjustable angle.

In another implementation, the orientation system can include an indexlocking system for holding the blower at desired angle. The indexlocking system can include a fixed bracket with a fixed bracketaperture, a pivotal bracket connected to the fixed bracket and having anindex peg that can be inserted into an index hole in the rotating plate.When the pivotal bracket pivots to insert the index peg into the indexhole, the rotating plate will be unable to rotate and the blower willremain at the angle specified by the index hole.

In a further implementation, the rotating plate can include a pluralityof index holes, where when the support system is worn by the user andthe rotating plate is substantially vertical, that the index holes allowthe angle of the rotating plate and the blower to cause theblower/semi-rigid flexible hose combination to point under the left arm,over the left shoulder, over the right shoulder, or under the right arm.

In yet another implementation, the support system can include a backsection adjacent a back of the user when the support system is worn, anda harness connected to the back section, with the harness having a pairof shoulder straps and a pair of adjustable straps to adjust theshoulder straps. The support system can further include a chest strapconnected between the shoulder straps to adjust the shoulder strapsacross a chest of the user. There can also be a waist strap connected tothe back section to further secure the support system to the user. Also,there can be a carrying strap connected to the back section to allow theuser to easily carry the hands-free dryer.

In another implementation, the blower can include a blower housinghaving a blower proximal end and a blower distal end, with a blowermechanism located within the blower housing and between the blowerproximal end and the blower distal end. There can be a blower aperturelocated at the blower distal end providing an opening for air from theblower mechanism to leave the blower housing. There can be a power cableconnected to the blower mechanism to provide power to operate the blowermechanism. There can also be blower controls connected to the blowermechanism to allow the user to operate the blower mechanism. Optionally,the blower controls can be located on the support system.

In a further implementation, the semi-rigid flexible hose can include ahose proximal end, a hose distal end, a hose proximal aperture at thehose proximal end to accept air into the semi-rigid flexible hose, ahose distal aperture located in the hose distal end to provide air flowfrom the blower to the target, and a hose fastener at the hose proximalend to fasten the hose proximal end to the blower. Furthermore thesemi-rigid flexible hose can be a LOC-LINE brand hose.

In yet another implementation, the index locking system can includemagnets connected to the mounting plate and to the support plate, whereone of the magnets is a locking magnet and the other magnets are indexmagnets. The locking magnet can be connected to the mounting plate andthe index magnets can be connected to the rotating plate, or vice versa.The polarity of the index magnet and the locking magnets can be arrangedsuch that the attractive force between the magnets is maximized when atleast one of the index magnets and the locking magnet are in closestproximity, the maximized attractive force then resists the rotation ofthe rotating plate.

In an interrelated aspect, a method for drying a target while allowinghands of a user to not be controlling the operation of the hands-freedryer includes wearing, by a user, of a hands-free dryer. The hands-freedryer has a blower for providing air flow, an orientation systemconnected to the blower configured to allow the blower to be adjustablyoriented at an angle, a semi-rigid flexible hose operatively connectedto the blower.

The user orients, using the orientation system, the blower to a desiredposition. The user configures, using the orientation system, thesemi-rigid flexible hose to point to a target.

The user releases the semi-rigid flexible hose to leave the semi-rigidflexible hose self-supporting during operation of the hands-free dryer.

The user also initiates powering the hands-free dryer to providedirected air flow to the target through the semi-rigid flexible hose andwithout the user's hands controlling the semi-rigid flexible hose.

Implementations of the current subject matter can provide one or moreadvantages. For example, the hands-free dryer allows the use of a user'shands while providing a controlled and adjustable source of air fordrying a target. The adjustable nature of the hands-free dryer allows itto be used by either left or right-handed users and to allow a widevariety of blowing angles for drying the target. While using thehands-free dryer, the user can groom or style the target, whilecontrolling the targets during the grooming procedure. Also, while usingthe hands-free dryer, the user has nearly unencumbered mobility to work360° around the target. The relative size and structure of thehands-free dryer permits portability and transportability. The usercould, for example, work in different areas of a shop, travel to remotework sites, participate in various shows, competitions, conventions,demonstration displays, etc.

The details of one or more variations of the subject matter describedherein are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the descriptionbelow. Other features and advantages of the subject matter describedherein will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from theclaims. While certain features of the currently disclosed subject matterare described for illustrative purposes in relation to a hands-freedryer, it should be readily understood that such features are notintended to be limiting. The claims that follow this disclosure areintended to define the scope of the protected subject matter.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, show certain aspects of the subject matterdisclosed herein and, together with the description, help explain someof the principles associated with the disclosed implementations. In thedrawings,

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a user wearing a hands-free dryer;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the hands-free dryer;

FIG. 3 is a rear elevational view of the hands-free dryer;

FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the hands-free dryer; and

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating an index locking system.

When practical, similar reference numbers denote similar structures,features, or elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The current subject matter is directed to methods, systems, andapparatus, for drying of targets including inanimate objects and animateobjects such as persons or animals. There are many applications in whicha target needs to be dried while, at the same time, the operator of adryer needs to undertake different activities. For example, the groomingand drying of persons, and particularly animals, can be challengingbecause often the person doing the grooming/drying must hold tools, aswell as control the person/animal to be groomed and/or dried. Performinggrooming and drying in steps can be difficult, slow, and lead toimprecise grooming, such as if the hair is over or under dried at aparticular stage of grooming. Presented below is a hands-free dryer thatallows a user to direct air flow to a target to be dried while leavingthe user's hands free to control the target, groom the target, or both,and allows nearly unencumbered access to work 360° around the target.The user dons the hands-free dryer and positions a hose providing airflow to contact the target at the desired location. The hose remains inthe proper position without further control from the user, allowing theuser to undertake other activities.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a user wearing a hands-free dryer 100.In one implementation, the hands-free dryer 100 can include a supportsystem 110 for attaching the hands-free dryer 100 to the user, anorientation system 120 to orient the hands-free dryer 100 when worn, ablower 130 to provide air flow, and a semi-rigid, flexible hose 140 todirect the air flow to the target. The user can control and groom thetarget while providing drying via the hands-free dryer 100. Thehands-free dryer 100 can provide two forms of adjustment. The blower 130can be oriented by rotating the blower 130 on the user's back. As shownin FIG. 1, the orientation is illustrated to be over the user's leftshoulder. The second form of adjustment is setting the configuration ofthe semi-rigid, flexible hose 140. The configuration, as used herein, isdefined to refer to the bends, twists, positioning of the semi-rigid,flexible hose 140 such that the air coming from the semi-rigid, flexiblehose 140 contacts the target at the desired location and/or angle A. Thesemi-rigid, flexible hose 140 can also be adjusted to be closer orfurther away from the target.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the hands-free dryer 100. FIG. 3 is arear elevational view of the hands-free dryer 100. In the implementationof FIGS. 1-4, the support system 110 is similar to a backpack. Thesupport system 110 can include a back section 210 between theorientation system 120 and the user. The back section 210 can be used tomount the orientation system 120 to the support system 110. The backsection 210 can be, for example, of flexible, rigid, or reinforcedconstruction. The back section 210 can also include, for example,padding, flocking, etc. (not shown) to provide a good fit and/or comfortto the user while wearing the hands-free dryer 100.

The harness 212 can be used to secure the support system 110 to theuser. The harness 212 can include a pair of shoulder straps 410 that goover the shoulders of the user to put the weight of the hands-free dryer100 on the user's shoulders. The harness 212 is described in additionaldetail in FIG. 4.

One important feature in making the hands-free dryer 100 be “hands-free”is the orientation system 120. The orientation system 120 can functionto point the blower 130 at the angle A such that the semi-rigid,flexible hose 140 can be a) of minimum length, and b) in a placeconvenient for the user. If the blower 130 was in a fixed position,then, in many situations, hose would have to be longer to reach aparticular location on the target at the desired angle. Also, theorientation system 120 allows for the semi-rigid, flexible hose 140 tobe predominantly on one side of the user or other, which can beimportant depending on the handedness of the user. The orientationsystem 120 can include a mounting plate 230 with a rotating plate 220connected to the mounting plate 230.

The mounting plate 230 can be attached in a fixed position to the backsection 210. The mounting plate 230 is used to provide a firm mechanicalconnection between to the back section 210 and also to provideadditional structure to which other components, described below, can befastened. The mounting plate 230 can be constructed of, for example,wood, plastic, metal, etc. The mounting plate 230 can be, for example, aflattened disk shaped structure, rectangular, irregular, containopenings, etc. The mounting plate 230 can be of any thickness sufficientto provide a secure mounting of the rotating plate 220.

The rotating plate 220 can be connected to the mounting plate 230 toallow the blower 130, also connected to the rotating plate 220, torotate relative to the user. The rotating plate 220 can have an axis 222of rotation normal to the mounting plate 230. When the user is wearingthe hands-free dryer 100, for example as shown in FIG. 1, the axis 222of rotation of the rotating plate 220 will be substantially horizontal,making the rotating plate 220 rotate in a substantially vertical plane.The connection between the rotating plate 220 and the mounting plate 230can be, for example, a bearing connection, a pin and hole, etc. Theblower 130 can be affixed to the rotating plate 220, thus the angle A ofthe rotating plate 220 can determine the angle of the blower 130. Theangle A of the blower 130 can then be adjusted by the user by rotatingthe blower 130 and the rotating plate 220. The rotating plate 220 canhave any angle A, however there can also be index holes 224 that areused by an index locking system 240, described below, to lock therotating plate 220 and blower 130 at a particular angle. The index holes224 can allow the semi-rigid, flexible hose 140 to extend naturallyunder the left arm, over the left shoulder, over the right shoulder, orunder the right arm. There can be any number and disposition ofadditional index holes 224 provided in the rotating plate 220 to allowfor other angular positions. Though the rotating plate 220 can be usedto rotate the blower 130 and provide the benefits described above, insome implementations, the rotating plate 220 and/or blower 130 can befixed, with the adjustability of the hands-free dryer 100 stemming fromonly the semi-rigid, flexible hose 140.

The blower 130 can be used to provide a source of pressurized air flow.The blower 130 can be, for example, a fan, hair dryer, or any type ofair-moving apparatus. The blower 130 can have a blower housing 310 witha blower proximal end 312, nearest to a blower mechanism 314 responsiblefor moving air through the blower 130. The blower 130 can also have ablower distal end 316, opposite the blower proximal end 312. There canbe a blower aperture 318 near the blower distal end 316 to provide anopening for air from the blower mechanism 314 to leave the blowerhousing 310. There can also be a blower intake vent (not shown) to allowair to enter the blower 130 before being moved by the blower mechanism314. There can be a filter (not shown) to provide filtered air to theblower 130 attached to the proximal end 312 of the blower 130.

The blower 130 can be electrically powered and connected to a powersource via a power cable 320. The power source can be a fixed AC or DCsource, or a battery. The blower 130 can be operated through blowercontrols 412 (shown in FIG. 4) that can control turning the blowermechanism 314 on or off. The blower controls 412 can also adjust fanspeed, temperature, etc. The blower controls 412 can be integrated intoone unit, or be located at separate locations. The blower controls 412can also be located away from the blower 130, for example, the blowercontrols 412 can be located on the harness 212, support system 110, orin an external control box, while the blower 130 is located on the backof the user.

To direct the air from the blower 130 to the target, a semi-rigid,flexible hose 140 can be connected to the blower 130. The semi-rigid,flexible hose 140 can extend to reach around the back of the user, andaround a body of a user, to terminate at some location along the sideof, or in front of, the user as the user faces the target. The blower130 can have a hose proximal end 270, the hose proximal end 270 beingthe end of the semi-rigid, flexible hose 140 that is closest to thetarget. The blower 130 can have a hose distal end 274 connected to theblower 130 and can substantially surround the blower aperture 318 tocapture the air coming from the blower 130. The semi-rigid, flexiblehose 140 can have a hose distal aperture 276, located at the hose distalend 274, which can allow the air from the blower 130 to enter the hose,and a hose proximal aperture 272, located at the hose proximal end 270,which can allow air to exit the semi-rigid, flexible hose 140 anddirected upon the target.

To secure the semi-rigid, flexible hose 140 to the blower 130, a hosefastener 278 can be used. The hose fastener 278 can be, for example, ahose clamp, adhesive, welding, tying with a cable, interlocking tabs andslots, etc. In FIG. 3, the hose fastener 278 is shown as a hose clampwhich is used to tighten a hose adaptor 280 to the distal end of theblower 130. The hose adaptor 280 can be used to adapt the hose to beconnected to the blower 130, in the event that the diameter of the hosedoes not readily fit the distal end of the blower 130. The hose adaptor280 can be attached to the hose distal end 274 by clamps, adhesives,welding, tied cables, interlocking tabs and slots, etc. The hose adaptor280 can be of such a design as to allow relatively easy attachment andremoval of the hose 140 to facilitate portability and transportability.

The semi-rigid, flexible hose 140, while being flexible enough to beoriented in a particular configuration, can also be rigid enough toprevent or resist unwanted changes in the configuration. The semi-rigid,flexible hose 140 then can be of a construction that allows it tosupport itself, without further control from the user, particularlywithout the user having to hold the semi-rigid, flexible hose 140 duringoperation of the hands-free dryer 100. For example, segmented sections282 of the semi-rigid, flexible hose 140 can mechanically engage toretain the configuration of the semi-rigid, flexible hose 140. Thesemi-rigid, flexible hose 140 can be a LOC-LINE hose, a STAY-PUT hose,or any type of adjustable, but stationary and self-supporting, hose ortubing.

FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the hands-free dryer 100. In theimplementation of FIGS. 1-4, the hands-free dryer 100 can be worn aspart of a backpack strapped to the body of the user. To secure thehands-free dryer 100 to the user, the support system 110 can be wornover the shoulders of the user, supporting the rest of the hands-freedryer 100 on the user's back. A series of straps can be used to furthersecure the hands-free dryer 100 to the user. This is important as itprevents unwanted shifting or rotation of the hands-free dryer 100, thuskeeping the hands-free dryer 100, and particularly the semi-rigid,flexible hose 140, pointing in the direction desired by the user.

The support system 110 can include, in addition to the back section 210described above, a harness 212 for securing the support system 110 tothe user. The harness 212 can include shoulder straps 410, which canhave padding, shaping, etc. to comfortably be worn over the shoulders ofa user. As mentioned above, the blower controls 412 are shown, in thisimplementation, to be affixed to one of the shoulder straps 410 wherethey can be easily reached by a user. Furthermore, there can be a cableproximal end 552 extending from one of the shoulder straps 410 that canbe used as part of the orientation system 120. When pulled by the user,this action enables the rotating plate 220 to rotate when adjusting theblower 130. This feature is described in further detail in FIG. 5,below.

To adjust the shoulder straps 410 to the correct size, there can beadjustment straps, connected between the back section 210 and each ofthe shoulder straps 410. The adjustable straps 420 can use, for example,buckles, snaps, buttons, hooks and loops fasteners, b-rings, etc. toprovide an adjustable fitting of the shoulder strap 410 s. There canalso be a chest strap 430, similar to the adjustable strap 420 that goesacross the chest of the user to provide additional securing and resistthe separation or slippage of the shoulder straps 410 when worn by theuser. There can also be a waist strap 440, similar to the chest strap430, to prevent the twisting of, and more securely anchor, thehands-free dryer 100 when worn by the user. To aid in donning or doffingof the hands-free dryer 100, or to simply provide a safe and convenientgrasping location for carrying the hands-free dryer 100, there can be acarrying strap 450 connected to the back section 210 of the hands-freedryer 100 and shaped to be grasped by the hand of the user.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating an index locking system 240.The index locking system 240 can allow the blower 130 to be locked in adesired orientation when worn on the back of the user. In theimplementation shown in FIG. 5, the index locking system 240 can includea fixed bracket 510 connected to the back section 210 pivotallyconnected to a pivotal bracket 520 having a pivotal bracket aperture524. The pivoting connection can be, for example, a hinge, bearings,etc. The pivotal bracket 520 can also include an index peg 522 shaped toremovably engage the index holes 224 in the rotating plate 220, causingthe rotating plate 220 to resist rotation. In line with the fixedbracket 510 and the pivotal bracket 520, there can be a fixed tensionbracket 540 with a tension bracket aperture 542 in line with the pivotalbracket aperture 524. The function of the tension bracket 540 isdescribed in further detail below.

A cable 550 can be used to actuate the index locking system 240,resulting in engagement or disengagement of the index locking system240. The cable 550 can have a cable proximal end 552, closest to theuser and illustrated in FIG. 4, and a cable distal end 554 opposite thecable proximal end 552. The cable distal end 554 can be threaded throughthe tension bracket aperture 542 and the pivotal bracket aperture 524.The cable distal end 554 can be affixed or operatively connected to thepivotal bracket 520 such that by pulling on the cable 550 the cabledistal end 554 does not disengage the cable 550 from the pivotal bracket520.

When the proximal end of the cable 550 is pulled, the pivotal bracket520 can swing towards the tension bracket 540. The “L” shape of thepivotal bracket 520 can then lift the portion of the pivotal bracket 520in contact with the plate away from the plate. The index peg 522connected to the pivotal bracket 520 can disengage from the index hole224 leaving the rotating plate 220 free to rotate.

A spring 530 can be provided that surrounds the portion of the cable 550between the pivotal bracket 520 and the tension bracket 540. The spring530 can provide separating force between the pivotal bracket 520 and thetension bracket 540 to naturally return the pivotal bracket 520 to anengaged state and keep the index peg 522 in the index hole 224, lockingthe rotating plate 220. The spring 530 can be any form of forceproviding mechanism, for example a band, a compressible solid object, atorsion spring, etc.

There can be a wide variety of mechanical features which providesubstantially similar functions of locking the rotating plate 220 anddisengagement to allow rotation. The rotating plate 220 can be motorizedand controlled by a user to rotate to a desired location, held inposition by gearing mechanisms. A clamp can be used to grasp and holdthe rotating plate 220 in a fixed position instead of using the indexpeg 522 and the index holes 224.

In another implementation there can be a spring loaded plunger mountedon a second fixed bracket that inserts directly into the index holes 224of the rotating plate 220.

In yet another implementation, there can be a spring loaded blademounted on a third fixed bracket that inserts, substantially radially,into indexing slots formed into the rotating plate 220.

In a further implementation, there can be a clamping brake that holdsthe rotating plate 220 in a default brake-on position and can bereleased by the user to adjust the position of the of the rotating plate220

In another implementation, there can be a worm drive that meshes intoteeth formed into the rotating plate 220. The worm drive can becontrolled by a user and can be, for example, motor driven, turn cableoperated, etc.

In another implementation, there can be a cueing and aiming system thatwill control the hose proximal end 270 and/or the hose proximal aperture272, with autonomic response to the user's eye and/or head position.

In a further implementation, there can be a family of hands-free dryingsystems based on similar architecture. For example, there can be a fixedrig for a specific work station in a shop. A more powerful blower canmounted on a swiveling gantry attached to the ceiling or tall standabove the target. An unrestricted flexible hose can be connected to along swivel arm above the user which then hangs down and plugs into theindexed rotating plate of the back pack system in place of the blower130.

In some implementations, the hands-free dryer 100 requires 110 v-120 v,50 Hz-60 Hz support at remotes sites as described in this document,whereas in other implementations, there can be a self-supporting,battery-operated hands-free dryer 100.

In another implementation, the semi-rigid, flexible hose 140 can have asignificantly greater articulating range that allows a fixed positionmount for the blower in a vertical position for an over-the-shoulder orunder-the-arm configuration. In this implementation, there can be anydesired position for the hose proximal aperture 272 obviating the needfor the rotating plate 220.

In another implementation, an illumination source can be attached to thehose proximal aperture 272 in order to directly illuminate the targetwork area with switch controls on the control box 412. The hose proximalaperture 272 can be adjustable to either focus or diffuse the air flowon the target area.

In further implementation, the 3-position switches on the control box412 can be replaced with continuously variable rotating pot switches.The analog switches on the control box 412 can be replaced with digitalcontrols for all blower functions. Also, there can be thermostaticallycontrolled heat to provide precise temperature control of air deliveredto the target.

In another implementation, there can be magnets connected to themounting plate 230 and to the support plate. One of the magnets can be alocking magnet and the other magnets can be indexing magnets. This isanalogous to the index peg 522 and the index holes 224. The polarity ofthe index magnets and the locking magnets are oriented such that theattractive force between the index magnet and one of the locking magnetswhen the index magnet and the corresponding locking magnet are withinclosest proximity. In this way, the index magnet and the closest lockingmagnet would resist the rotation of the rotating plate 220 away fromthat position, thus locking the rotating plate 220 in place.

The present application also includes a method for drying the targetwhile allowing the hands of the user to not be controlling the operationof the hands-free dryer 100. The user can don the hands-free dryer 100,via the above-described harness 212 and support system 110. The blower130 can be oriented in the desired position. The semi-rigid flexiblehose 140 can be configured to point to the target. The flexible hose 140can be released by the user to leave the semi-rigid flexible hose 140self-supported in the configuration during the operation of thehands-free dryer 100. The blower 130 can be powered to provide directedair flow to the target through the semi-rigid flexible hose 140 andwithout the user's hands controlling the semi-rigid flexible hose 140.

In the descriptions above and in the claims, phrases such as “at leastone of” or “one or more of” may occur followed by a conjunctive list ofelements or features. The term “and/or” may also occur in a list of twoor more elements or features. Unless otherwise implicitly or explicitlycontradicted by the context in which it used, such a phrase is intendedto mean any of the listed elements or features individually or any ofthe recited elements or features in combination with any of the otherrecited elements or features. For example, the phrases “at least one ofA and B;” “one or more of A and B;” and “A and/or B” are each intendedto mean “A alone, B alone, or A and B together.” A similarinterpretation is also intended for lists including three or more items.For example, the phrases “at least one of A, B, and C;” “one or more ofA, B, and C;” and “A, B, and/or C” are each intended to mean “A alone, Balone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, orA and B and C together.” Use of the term “based on,” above and in theclaims is intended to mean, “based at least in part on,” such that anunrecited feature or element is also permissible.

The subject matter described herein can be embodied in systems,apparatus, methods, and/or articles depending on the desiredconfiguration. The implementations set forth in the foregoingdescription do not represent all implementations consistent with thesubject matter described herein. Instead, they are merely some examplesconsistent with aspects related to the described subject matter.Although a few variations have been described in detail above, othermodifications or additions are possible. In particular, further featuresand/or variations can be provided in addition to those set forth herein.For example, the implementations described above can be directed tovarious combinations and subcombinations of the disclosed featuresand/or combinations and subcombinations of several further featuresdisclosed above. In addition, the logic flows depicted in theaccompanying figures and/or described herein do not necessarily requirethe particular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirableresults. Other implementations may be within the scope of the followingclaims.

1. (canceled)
 2. An orientation system for orienting a device, theorientation system comprising: a mounting plate fixedly mounted to asupport system configured to be worn by a user of the device; and arotating plate operatively connected to the mounting plate to allow therotating plate to rotate along an axis normal to the mounting plate, therotating plate comprising a coupling element for coupling a devicethereto thereby allowing the device to be adjustably oriented at anangle by rotating the device about the axis.
 3. The orientation systemof claim 2, further comprising: an index locking system comprising: afixed bracket having a fixed bracket aperture; a pivotal bracketoperatively connected to the fixed bracket configured to pivot relativeto the fixed bracket, the pivotal bracket having an index peg shaped tobe removably insertable into an index hole in the rotating plate,wherein the rotating plate will not rotate while the index peg isinserted into the index hole; a tension bracket mounted to the supportsystem, the tension bracket having a tension bracket aperture; a cablehaving a cable proximal end and a cable distal end, the cable distal endoperatively connected to the pivotal bracket and extending throughpivotal bracket aperture and the tension bracket aperture; and a springsurrounding the cable between the tension bracket and the pivotalbracket, wherein pulling on the proximal cable end causes compression ofthe spring and pivoting of the pivotal bracket, removing the index pegfrom the index hole and allowing the rotating plate to rotate.
 4. Theorientation system of claim 2, wherein the rotating plate comprises aplurality of index holes; wherein: each index hole allows the angle ofthe rotating plate and device to be secured at a predetermined angle. 5.The orientation system of claim 2, the support system comprising: a backsection abutting a back of the user when the support system is worn bythe user; and a harness connected to the back section, the harnesscomprising: a pair of shoulder straps; and a pair of adjustable strapsoperatively connected between the shoulder straps and the back sectionto adjust the shoulder straps when worn by the user.
 6. The orientationsystem of claim 5, the support system further comprising: a chest strapoperatively connected between the shoulder straps configured to adjustthe shoulder straps when worn by the user; a waist strap operativelyconnected to the back section configured to secure the support system tothe user; and a carrying strap connected to the back section.
 7. Theorientation system of claim 2, wherein the device is a blowercomprising: a blower housing having a blower proximal end and a blowerdistal end, the blower proximal end proximate to a blower mechanismlocated substantially within the blower housing, the blower distal endopposite the blower proximal end; a blower aperture located at theblower distal end, the blower aperture providing an opening for air fromthe blower mechanism to leave the blower housing; a power cableoperatively connected to the blower mechanism configured to providepower to operate the blower mechanism; and blower controls operativelyconnected to the blower mechanism configured to allow a user to operatethe blower mechanism, wherein the blower controls are located on thesupport system.
 8. The orientation system of claim 7, further comprisingan adjustable flexible hose operatively connected to the blower, theflexible hose comprising: a hose proximal end; a hose distal endopposite the hose proximal end; a hose proximal aperture located in thehose proximal end and operatively connected to the blower to accept airflow from the blower into the flexible hose; and a hose distal aperturelocated in the hose distal end to provide air flow from the blower tothe target; a hose fastener at the hose proximal end to securely connectthe hose proximal end to the blower; and a plurality of interlockingsegmented sections, the segmented sections releasably retaining aconfiguration of the flexible hose.
 9. The orientation system of claim8, wherein the flexible hose is LOC-LINE.
 10. The orientation system ofclaim 2, further comprising: an index locking system comprising aplurality of magnets connected to the mounting plate and to the rotatingplate, wherein one of the plurality of magnets is a locking magnet andthe other magnets are index magnets, wherein the locking magnet isconnected to the mounting plate and the index magnets are connected tothe rotating plate, or vice versa, and wherein the polarity of the indexmagnet and the locking magnets are arranged such that the attractiveforce between the magnets is maximized when at least one of the indexmagnets and the locking magnet are in closest proximity, the maximizedattractive force then resisting rotation of the rotating plate. 11.(canceled)
 12. (canceled)
 13. A method comprising: rotating a rotatingplate of an orientation system configured to orient a device operativelycoupled to the rotating plate, wherein the rotating of the rotatingplate causes the device to rotate about an axis normal to a mountingplate to which the rotating plate is coupled to, and wherein themounting plate is coupled to a support system configured to be worn by auser of the device; orienting the device at an angle; and securing therotating plate relative to the mounting plate thereby securing theorientation of the device at the angle.